Safety the cause for roundabout upgrades

WORK has started to improve motorists safety with upgrades worth $1.1 million at the Rous Road and Oliver Avenue roundabout in Lismore.

It is expected to take eight weeks with construction on a new, larger concrete and asphalt roundabout.

The new roundabout will comprise a six-metre-wide travel lane and deliver improved access from both Jubilee Avenue and Caroona Marima Care Facility.

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said addressing safety issues was a major factor in council committing to the upgrades.

“We have seen six accidents on or near the roundabout over the last five years, and something clearly needed to be done,” Cr Krieg said.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and this upgrade will deliver that.”

Work will initially involve the upgrade of existing drainage infrastructure and widening of the road pavement directly to the north of the current roundabout’s location.

Jubilee Avenue is closed to through traffic at the roundabout for the remainder of the works.

A temporary detour is in place via Phillip Street, McDermott Avenue and Oliver Avenue.

“We all have a role to play in road safety and I want to thank the community in advance for their cooperation and patience as Council undertakes this important safety improvement, Cr Krieg said.

Factors contributing to the design include large trees reducing sight distance and light in all three directions.

The proximity of Jubilee Avenue to Rous Road causes confusion to motorists on where a vehicle is turning.

The intersection is over a crest which reduces stopping time if a vehicle exits from Jubilee Avenue onto Oliver Avenue.

Funding for the project was delivered by Transport for NSW under the Australian Government’s Black Spot program.